Heat exchange device



Aug. -14, 1934. A. L STAMSWK 1,969,766

HEAT. EXCHANGE DEVICE Patented Aug. 14, 1934 PATENT ori-111B HEAT EXCHANGE DEVICE Alfred L. Stamsvik, Grove City, Pa., assigner to Heat Exchanger Company, Grove City, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 11, 1932, Serial No. 616,716 16 claims..` (C1. 257-245) This invention relates to heat exchange devices. An important object of the invention is to provide a novel form of high efficiency heat exchanger adapted forfa widevariety of uses', such i for example as an air preheater, an evaporator, an

oil heater or cooler, etc.

A further object is to provide a heat interchanger wherein a high degree of turbulence is obtained, thus increasing the efciency of the device by decreasing the so-called insulating film present in most devices of this character.

A further object is to provide a heat interchanger having passages therethrough for uid media of d'erent temperatures and to provide a novel internal or core structure which is adapted to freely alter its length by expansion or contraction under the influence of temperature changes and temperature differentials between the uid media.

A further object is to provide a novel heat interchanger wherein the entireinternal structure readily may be removed as a unit for any desired purpose such as inspection, cleaning, etc.

A further object is to provide a device ofthe character referred to embodying an internal core structure arranged within a shell and supported with respect thereto by novel alined packing means whereby the core bears a oating relationship to the shell to allow for expansion and contraction without damaging any of the parts of the device.

A further object is to provide an internal core structure for a lheat interchanger made up of a plurality of heat exchange units of identical.

structure all of which are adapted to be secured together to form in effect a unitary core structure through the use of a single set of securing elements.

A further object is to provide a novel fin or baflie construction for the heat exchange units which operates to prevent the straight flow of fluid in the shell from one end thereof to the other, thus causing the uid tolfollow a tortuous path through the successive heat exchange units and to follow such path in a condition `of extreme turbulence.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following-description.

In the drawing I have shown one embodiment of the invention. In this showing,

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the device, parts being shown in section and parts being broken away,

Figure 2 is an end elevation,

Figure 3 is a side elevation of one of the heat exchange units,

Figure 4 is a face view of the same,

Figure 5 is a similar view of the opposite face of the heat exchange unit,

Figure 6 is a section on line 6-6 of Figure 3, and,

Figure 7 is a central sectional view through a modified form of heat exchange unit taken axially therethrough.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the numeral l0 designates the outer cylinder or shell of the device which is provided'at its ends with annular outstanding anges 11. A head 12 is secured to each ange 11 ,by bolts 13 or similar fastening ele- 'to ments. Each head 12 is provided with an outstanding boss 14 having an opening 15 therethrough for the passage of the fluid medium which circulateswithin the shell or casing 10. Each head 12 is further provided with an outstanding 75 apertured boss 16 for a purpose to be described.

A core structure indicated as a whole by the numeral 17 is arranged within the shell 10. This structure includes `a head 18 at each end thereof provided with a longitudinally extending prefers0 ably integral tube 19. Each tube 19 projects through the boss 16 of one of the heads 12 and is surrounded by suitable packing 20 maintained under compression by a gland 21, and bolts 22 may be employed for tightening the glands, as shown in Figure 2. Each head 18 may be suitably reinforced by integral fins 23. Integral radial lugs 24 are carried by the heads 18 and are apertured to receive elongated bolts or rods 25.

A plurality of heat exchange units, each in- 9o dicated as a whole by the numeral 26 is arranged in' face to face relation between the heads 18. The units 26 are preferably identical in construction and accordingly only one need be referred to in detail. Each unit includes spaced parallel plates 27, and these plates are connected at one side of the center thereof by an integral tube 28 forming a passage between the outer faces of the plates. Diametrically opposite the tube 28 a second smaller tube 29 is formed integral with the 100 plates 27, and extends therethrough. An integral spacing or reinforcing pin 30 preferably extends between the plates substantially axially thereof and a plurality of similar reinforcing members 31 may be connected between the plates at points 105 spaced from the member and circumferentially spaced from each other. Each member 26 is provided with an outstanding ange 33 formed integral therewith and preferably forming a continuation of one of the plates 27. The flange 33 1,10

is cut away as at 34 through a portion of its circumference preferably adjacent the tube 28. The flange 33 is apertured at circumferentially spaced points as at 35/ to receive the bolts 25.

The bolts 25 obviously prevent any change in the relative positions of the units 26 and clamp these units in fixed relation against each other. The bolts also clamp the outermost units 26 against the respective heads 18. In `order to provide a leak-proof joint between the heads 18 and the adjacent units 26 and between the units 26 themselves, each of thesev units is provided at one end with an axial flange 36 and at its opposite end with a similar flange 37 forming a seat 38 adapted to receive the adjacent flange 26 of the nextadjacent unit, as shown in Figure 1. The contacting portions of the adjacent units are preferably machined to afford perfect leak-proof joints and are maintained in fixed relation, as stated, by the bolts 25. It will be apparent that this arrangement provides a core structure which is, in effect, unitary and which may be bodily removed from the shell 10. The flanges 33 are of such a circumference as to provide only clearance between their outer edges and the internal surface of the shell 10, and they accordingly act as baffles to prevent the longitudinal flow of fluid medium except through the cut out portions 34.

The form of the invention described is advantageous for general use regardless of the natures of the fluid media employed or their differential temperatures. It also will be apparent that the plates 27 of each unit are adapted to withstand heavy external pressures due to the reinforcement provided by the tubes 28 and 29 and the pins 30 and 31. In cases where both fluids'are under substantial pressures, the form of unit 26 shown in Figure 7 may be employed. In the modified form of unit- 26, the structure is identical with that previously described except that one plate 27 is provided with projecting pins 37 adapted to contact with the plate 27 in the next adjacent unit. These pins accordingly reinforce the plates 27 against internal pressures.

The operation of the device is as follows:

In assembling the device, the tubes 28 of the successive units 26 preferably are arranged at diametrically opposite points, as shown in Figure 1, and the equidistantly spaced bolt openings 30 permit any desired arrangement of the successive units 26, as will be apparent. The structure of the core obviously provides a space between the plates 27 of each unit, which space communicates with the interior of the shell, as will be apparent from an examination of Figure 6. It also will be apparent that the flanges 36 and 37 of each unit project beyond the outer faces of the plates of each unit and accordingly a space is provided between the adjacent plates 27 of adjacent units. This space between the plates of each pair of adjacent units communicates with the openings or tubes 28 and 29. One fluid medium is supplied to the shell 10 through the opening 15 of one of the heads 12 and flows outwardly through the corresponding opening of the other head 12. The incoming fluid medium fills the space between the head 12 at the inlet end and the adjacent head 18, and then flows through the space between the lugs 24 whereupon it encounters the first flange 33. This fiange impedes the progress of the fluid except at the cut out portion 34, and the fluid iiows through this cut out portion into the space between the next adjacent pair of flanges 33. In flowing to the first cut out portion 34, it will be apparent that the fluid flows not only around the periphery of the unit 26 but also through the space between the plates 27 of the first unit 26, and accordingly the fluid contacts with a substantial area of the first unit. This action is repeated for each unit 26 throughout the length of the device, since the successive cut out portions 34 are arranged diametrically opposite each other. The fluid flowing through the shell accordingly follows a general back and forth tortuous path from one end of the casing 10 to the other, and thus travels a substantial distance before being discharged from the apparatus. The back and forth movement of the fluid and its passage around the tubes 28 and 29 and pins 30 and 3l causes the fluid to remain in a constant condition of great turbulence throughout its travel, thus materially increasing the e'iciency of the heat interchanging action.

'I'he second fluid medium is similarly 'caused to provide an efficient action by following the tortuous path in a condition of'constant turbulence. Such second fluid is introduced into one of the tubes 19 and is discharged from the other similar tube. Upon entering the apparatus, the second fluid strikes against the nearest plate 27 and thus is caused to spread laterally to all portions of the first core space. A small proportion of the second fluid passes through the first tube 29, but the greater portion is caused to travel transversely to the first larger tube 28 to be discharged therethrough into the second core space. This action is caused to be repeated throughout the length of the apparatus, and from one end of the core lto the other the second fluid contacts with two plates 27 at a time in a relatively thin layer, and the area of contact, the thickness of the layer, the length of travel and the great turbulence existing in the fluid materially increases the eiiiciency of the heat interchanging action. It will be apparent that since the plates 27 of each unit are relatively closely spaced, the first fluidflowing .through the shell also will be confined to relatively slight depth in its transverse travel through the apparatus.

The factors referred to all combine to provide heat interchanging/ means of a remarkably high degree of efficiency. Other structural features of the apparatus render it particularly practicable in use because of the elements of accessibility for cleaning and inspection, because of ease of repair, and because of the efficient manner in which expansion and contraction of the core is taken care of. For example, removal of one of the heads 12 and the loosening of the packing gland 21 at the opposite end of the apparatus permits the core to be bodily removed from the shell 10 for cleaning and inspection. The removal of the core exposes all of the outside spaces, that is, all of the spaces between the plates of each unit 26 through which the first fluid referred to passes. After being cleaned, the core may lbe replaced with equal facility. If it is desirable to replace one of the units it merely is necessary to remove the bolts 25. In this connection it will be noted that the individual and accessible joints between the respective units 26 facilitate the location of any leaks which may occur, and the use of the unbroken shell l0 prevents any leakage to the outside. It is only under extreme conditions and after long periods of use that any replace- Iment is necessary, and accordingly the core, in effect, is a unitary construction involving the advantages referred to.

The apparatus is particularly advantageous in uses where a high temperature differential is be employed, and s1nce these pins structure mounted present between the two cooling media, and whereleither or both media operates under substantial pressure. It will be apparent that the packings 20 prevent leakage around the. tubes 19 but do not prevent sliding movement .of these elements and since the tubes are arranged Aaxially parallel, it will be apparent that the core as a whole is adapted to partake of longitudinal expansion. and contraction independently of the shell and without causing any injury to the latter'. The tubes 28 and'29 and pins 30 and 3l rigidly reinforce the plates 27 of each unit, thus strengthening these lates against external pressures in the uid flowing through the tube 19.`

Where both fluid media operate under pressure, the projecting pins 37, shown in Figure 7, may

extend from one plate 27 to the adjacent plate of the next adjacent unit, it will be apparent that the plates of each unit may be reinforced against internal pressures in the fluid flowing through -the casing 1G.

All small passages commonly present in devices of this character and which frequently clog with heavy fluid or become 'blocked with foreign substances have been eliminated, together with their attendant disadvantages. The volume of iiuid is taken into account in the design of the apparatus, and the spaces between the plates 27 of adjacent units may be of any desired width according to the use to which the device is to be put. Pressure drops in the fluid media may be controlled in the same manner. It also will be apparent that the apparatus may be made of any suitable material depending upon its use.

It is yto be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that Various changes vin the shape, size and ar-y rangement of the parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. A heat interchanger having a casing, a plurality of pairs of plates within said casing, the spaces between the plates of'^each pair communicating with the space within the casing, the spaces between adjacent pairs of plates communicating with each other to form a passage for fluid, said casing being provided with inlet and outlet openings each communicating directly with the space within the casing, and inlet and outlet conduits extending-through the casing and communicating with said passagefor fluid.

2. A heat interchanger having a casing, aA core structure mounted within said casing and comprising a plurality of spaced pairs of plates, the spaces between the plates of each pair communicating with the space within the casing, the spaces between adjacent pairs of plates communicating with each other to form a fluid passage, said casing being'provided with inlet and outlet openings each communicating directly with the space within the casing, and inlet and outlet conduits extending through the casing and being connected to the core structure so as to communicate with said fluid passage.

3.. A heat interchanger having a casing, a core within said casing and comprising a plurality of pairs of spaced plates, the spaces between the plates of each pair communicating with the space within the casing, recesses in said plates forming compartments between adjacent pairs of plates, passages connect- 3 ing adjacent compartments, a conduit for fluid comprising said compartments and passages, inlet and outlet ducts for said conduit, said ducts extending through the casing, and inlet and outlet passages for the casing each communicating directlywith the space within the casing.

4. A heat interchanger comprising a casing, a core structure mounted within said casing and provided with spaced pairs of parallel plates, the spaces between the plates of each pair communicating with the space withinsaid casing, the remaining spaces between said pairs of plates communicating with each other to form a fluid passage, said casing being provided with inlet and outlet openings, inlet and outlet ducts carried by the core structure and projecting through the casing, and packing carried by the casing and surrounding said ducts.

5. A heat interchanger comprising a casing, a core structure mounted within said casing and provided with spaced pairs of parallel plates, the. spaces between the plates communicating with the space within said casing and forming portions of a fluid passage therethrough, said core structure being provided with outstanding flanges extending substantially to the casing between said spaces and each provided with a cut out portion circumferentially 'offset from the cut out portions of the adjacent flanges, the remaining spaces between said pairs of plates communicating with each other to form a second fluid passage, said casing being provided with inlet and outlet openings communicating with said first named fluid passage, parallel inlet 4and outlet ducts carried by the core structure and projecting through the casing, and packing carried by the casing and surrounding said ducts.

6. A heat interchanger comprising a cylindrical casing, heads for the ends of said casing provided respectively with inlet and outlet openings, a core structure mounted within said casing and provided with pairs of spaced parallel plates, the spaces between the plates communicating with the space within said casing to form portions of a fluid passage communicating with said openings, the remaining spaces between said pairs of plates communicating with each other to form a second fluid passage, each of said heads being provided with a second opening, inlet and outlet ducts projecting longitudinally from the ends of the core structure through the respective second named openings, and packing carried by said heads and surrounding said ducts.

7. A heat interchanger comprising a .cylindrical casing, heads for the ends of said casing provided respectively with inlet and outlet openings, a core structure mounted' in said casing and provided with pairs of spaced parallel plates arranged transversely of the axis thereof, the spaces between the plates-communicating with the space within said casing and forming portions of a fluid passage therethrough communicating with said openings, said core structure being provided with outstanding flanges extending substantially to the each provided with a cut out portion circumferentially offset from the cut out portions of the adjacent flanges, the remaining spaces between said pairs of plates communicating with each other to form a second fluid passage, the 145 ends of said core structure being'provided with inlet and outlet ducts axially alined with each other and projecting through said heads, and packing carried by said heads and surrounding Said ducts.

casing between said spaces and 8. A heat interchanger comprising a casing, a core structure mounted within said casing and defining therewith a fluid passage, said core structure being provided with a passage there--` through wholly disconnected from said first named passage, said core structure being made up of a plurality of separate units having walls separating said passages, said core structure further including heads mounted against the outermost units, fastening means connected between said heads for securing them in operative position with respect to said units, inlet and outlet ducts projecting from said heads in axial alinement with each other, and packing carried by said casing and surrounding said ducts.

9. A heat interchanger comprising a cylindrical casing, heads for the ends of said casing provided respectively with inlet and outlet openings, a core structure mounted within said casing and comprising a plurality of units arranged coaxial with the casing, each unit including a pair of spaced platesvwith the space therebetween communicating with the space within the casing and a tube connected between the plates to aord communication between the spaces at the outer faces of the plates the plates of adjacent units being spaced from each other, heads arranged against the outermost units of the core structure and provided with axially alined inlet and outlet ducts projecting through said first named heads, and fastening means connected between said core heads to clamp them against the outermost units of said core structure.

.10. A device constructed in accordance with claim 9 wherein said core structure is arranged cgaxially in said casing and wherein said inlet and outlet ducts are arranged parallel to the axis of said casing, said rst named heads being provided with packing surrounding said ducts.

11. A device constructed in accordance with claim 9 wherein each of said units is provided at opposite sides with coaxial flanges one of which is of an internal' diameter equal to the external diameter of the other to receive the adjacent coaxial liange of the adjacent unit.

12. A device constructed in accordance with claim 9 wherein each unit is provided with an out'- standing flange extending substantially to the casing and provided with a cut out. portion circumferentially spaced from the cut out portionsA of the adjacent units.

13. A device constructed in accordance withl claim 9 wherein the tube and plates of each unit are formed integral with'each other, and integral pins carried by and projecting between the plates f of each unit.

14. A device constructed in accordance with claim 9 wherein the tube and plates of each unit are formed integral, each unit being provided with opposite coaxial flanges one of which is of an internal diameter equal to the external diameter of the other to receive the adjacent coaxial flange of the adjacent unit, and integral pinsA carried by and projecting from one plate of said unit and adapted to contact with the adjacent plate of the adjacent unit.

15. A device constructed in accordance with claim 9 wherein the tube and plates of each unit are formed integral, each unit being lprovided with opposite coaxial flanges one of which is of an internal diameter equal to the external diameter of the other to receive the adjacent coaxial flange of the adjacent unit, integral pins carried by and projecting between the plates of each unit, and integral pins carried by one plate of each unit and projecting therefrom asullicient distance to contact with the adjacent plate of the adjacent unit.

16. `.An integral core unit for a heat interchanger comprising a pair of spaced plates connected to each other by integral pins, a tube extending through the plates, coaxial flanges extending on opposite faces of the plate, one of said flanges having an internal diameter equal to the external diameter of the other flange, and a radial flange projecting outwardly beyond the plates and provided with a cut out portion.

ALFRED L. STAMSVIK. 

